Sant Celoni

Sant Celoni is a municipality in the Vallès Oriental that stands out for its privileged geographical location.

The municipality, measuring 64.4 km², consists of two urban centers mainly: Sant Celoni, the most populated, and La Batllòria, about 5 kilometers to the northeast. The municipal area also includes Vilardell, Sant Martí de Montnegre, Olzinelles and Fuirosos, nuclei of the Montnegre area that in the past had constituted municipalities with various grouping formulas.

Straddling the provinces of Barcelona and Girona and very well connected by both road and rail, Sant Celoni has become a reference municipality in Baix Montseny and is one of the main gateways to the Montseny Natural Park and the Montnegre and Corredor Park, natural spaces of great wealth and scenic beauty.

Sant Celoni offers visitors a rich cultural, natural and gastronomic heritage and a wide variety of nature routes with alternatives for all types of audiences.

History

The first Celonians lived in scattered houses grouped around the parish of Sant Martí de Pertegàs. In the 11th century, the lords of Montseny ordered the construction of a chapel dedicated to Sant Celoni at the foot of the royal road from Barcelona to Girona.

At the beginning of the 13th century there were already 72 fires or houses, and in the middle of the 14th century the population was already approaching a thousand inhabitants. In 1370 the Hospitallers approved the ordinances of good government, some of the first in Catalonia, demonstrating the strength and good organization of the town. In 1405 Sant Celoni became the property of the Cabreras, who thus completed their domains in Montseny.

During the Middle Ages the town of Sant Celoni was in the hands of the Hospitallers of Sant Joan of Jerusalem. The fortified city is what we know today as the Força neighborhood. The economy of Sant Celoni was governed mainly by crafts and the market, where all the surrounding towns found supplies and tools necessary to cultivate the land. This is demonstrated by the existing trades in the town: cloth merchants, merchants, weavers, quilt and blanket makers, wool combers, tailors, shoemakers, cobblers, tanners, saddlers, carpenters, blacksmiths, millers, bakers, butchers...

The importance of wool and linen weavers led to the birth of the textile industry at the end of the 19th century and beginning of the 20th century, also favored by the arrival of the railway in 1860. The relief in this vitality, traditionally linked to commerce, agriculture and livestock, has been taken by the considerable industrial implementation, which occurred essentially throughout the 20th century, established in recent years as the main engine of the local economy, complemented by the dynamism of the commercial sector and the strength of services.

Places of interest

CHURCHES OF MONTNEGRE

Delve into the religious history of the region by visiting the churches of Montnegre, authentic testimonies of tradition and local devotion. With their ancient facades and architectural details, these churches invite you on a journey through time, offering a fascinating insight into Sant Celoni's cultural past.

FARMHOUSES AND TRADITIONAL ELEMENTS

Discover the rural essence of Sant Celoni with its farmhouses and traditional elements. The farmhouses, with their ancient stones and picturesque surroundings, transport visitors to a bygone era, reminding them of the life and culture of the Catalan countryside. Take the opportunity to explore the most remote and hidden corners, where each corner reveals a unique story.

SCULPTURES AND OTHER MONUMENTS

Delight in the sculptures and other monuments that adorn the city streets, giving it a touch of art and beauty. From majestic statues to small sculptures, each work of art will captivate you with its expression and meaning. Delve into the past and present of Sant Celoni as you admire these artistic wonders.

MONTSENY NATURAL PARK

Enjoy an immersion in nature in the Montseny Natural Park, a green paradise with impressive beauty. Its majestic mountains, crystalline rivers and lush forests invite you to explore and connect with nature. From quiet excursions to exciting adventures, Montseny offers experiences for all tastes and levels of adventure.

MONTNEGRE PARK AND THE CORRIDOR

GLAZO WELL

Delve into the region's industrial history with a visit to the fascinating Ice Well. This old construction, which was used to preserve food in summer, is a testimony to the technological past of Sant Celoni. With its well-preserved structures and interesting architectural details, the Pou de Glaç will transport you to another era.

ROUTES AND NATURE WALKS

Embarking on exciting routes and nature walks that will take you to explore the most beautiful and secret corners of Sant Celoni. From coastal paths to mountain trails, these routes will allow you to discover the diverse landscape and natural wealth of the region. Breathe in the fresh air, listen to the birds sing and let yourself be captivated by the tranquility of nature.